Special Devotions and Processions
Ever since the initial prayers which guided the meetings between John Noll (later, Archbishop Noll) and Dr. Geiermann to lay the groundwork for a healing center with deep Catholic roots back in 1895, the "springs" have played host to hundreds of prayer services and devotional processions on its majestic grounds.
These processions would begin at the Our Lady Mother of Mercy Chapel or in front of the brick house altar area and move down to the south lawn via slender cinder paths. With hundreds of parishioners and guests behind them, the sisters and priests of The Precious Blood would lead the procession down to the Lourdes Grotto which had been erected at the base of the Indian mound (Holy Family Hill). From there, depending upon the season, the group would celebrate Benediction or follow the stations of the cross which were erected around the perimeter of the mound (these have long since been destroyed by the interim owner from 1977-1999).
The procession would then make its way back up another cinder path to the front of the brick house and then back to the main chapel for final prayers. It was truly a sight and event to behold.
These events were supported, and often attended, by Archbishop John Noll himself as he was a frequent visitor to the "springs" (his summer home was on the lake across the road and he said frequent Mass in the main chapel). As spiritual director for the sisters who ran the healing center up until his death in 1956, there wasn't much that he was not aware of when it came to the spiritual activities centered around this bustling community.
It has been said before on this space that one of the reasons we feel The Blessed Mother chose Rome City to announce Herself as Our Lady of America to Sr. Millie was because of the special devotion Archbishop Noll had to Our Lady, his push for the National Basilica, his defense of the faith on a national level, and the accumulated graces won by the sisters and priests in taking care of Her children. These processions and prayerful events played a key role in maintaining and reinforcing the sanctity Our Lord required for His Mother's own work.
This work has not ended, rather it has been passed on to all of us who seek the intercession of Our Lady through this canonically-approved special devotion. Our work is still ahead of us as we strive to maintain the sanctity of this Holy Ground for what is yet to come. The Friday Night prayer group, as we all do, plays an important role in this effort in preserving the sanctity of these grounds as a place of prayer. Please remember us, and our Bishops and priests, in your prayers from home.
Thanks again to Dr. John Willke and his wife Barbara for sending us these great photos from their family album.
These processions would begin at the Our Lady Mother of Mercy Chapel or in front of the brick house altar area and move down to the south lawn via slender cinder paths. With hundreds of parishioners and guests behind them, the sisters and priests of The Precious Blood would lead the procession down to the Lourdes Grotto which had been erected at the base of the Indian mound (Holy Family Hill). From there, depending upon the season, the group would celebrate Benediction or follow the stations of the cross which were erected around the perimeter of the mound (these have long since been destroyed by the interim owner from 1977-1999).
The procession would then make its way back up another cinder path to the front of the brick house and then back to the main chapel for final prayers. It was truly a sight and event to behold.
These events were supported, and often attended, by Archbishop John Noll himself as he was a frequent visitor to the "springs" (his summer home was on the lake across the road and he said frequent Mass in the main chapel). As spiritual director for the sisters who ran the healing center up until his death in 1956, there wasn't much that he was not aware of when it came to the spiritual activities centered around this bustling community.
It has been said before on this space that one of the reasons we feel The Blessed Mother chose Rome City to announce Herself as Our Lady of America to Sr. Millie was because of the special devotion Archbishop Noll had to Our Lady, his push for the National Basilica, his defense of the faith on a national level, and the accumulated graces won by the sisters and priests in taking care of Her children. These processions and prayerful events played a key role in maintaining and reinforcing the sanctity Our Lord required for His Mother's own work.
This work has not ended, rather it has been passed on to all of us who seek the intercession of Our Lady through this canonically-approved special devotion. Our work is still ahead of us as we strive to maintain the sanctity of this Holy Ground for what is yet to come. The Friday Night prayer group, as we all do, plays an important role in this effort in preserving the sanctity of these grounds as a place of prayer. Please remember us, and our Bishops and priests, in your prayers from home.
Thanks again to Dr. John Willke and his wife Barbara for sending us these great photos from their family album.
posted by Moderator @ 12:48 PM
5 Comments
5 Comments:
The photo's and the commentary are truly inspiring. Eternal rest unto Archbishop Noll and many thanks for His strong belief in Our Lady's work.
Let us all pray together that the current Bishop's and priest's follow in his footsteps to bring about the success of Our Lady's requests to Sister Mildred.
God Bless Archbishop Burke for his leadership in this task that is now showing fruit.
The photo's bring back precious memories of another time and era where we all would march in procession, carrying the statue of Our Lady, singing and praying.
I am personally asking each person that visits this webpage, to please pray the Rosary daily, or at the least to say one Hail Mary everyday for a successful outcome of Our Lady's request.
God Bless each of you!
JStolle-San Antonio, Texas
I've really enjoyed these posts re: Dr. Willke and his connections with Rome City. All of these holy people connected with one particular place is incredible. This place has been chosen for great things.
Thank you for your efforts!
Amen! Amen!!
I have been to shrines all over the world in my 70+ years. I have waited in lines to be immersed in the Lourdes water. I have been to Medjugorje 11 times. Fatima, 4 times.
I found all of the feelings of the indwelling in the halls of Sylvan Springs. I do not expect to travel abroad again. I will go to Rome City as often as I can from now on and continue to take people with me on each trip. Iam working on a busload for this spring (Easter week).
I want to thank Nick and Ruby and Sue and all the others who graciously answer our questions and give us time to reflect in the beautiful chapels (and fill our water jugs).
Grace,
Where is your busload going to originate?
pam j
Would it not be wonderful if we could re erect the Grotto and also the Stations of the Cross as it was back then? Does anyone feel that Our Lady is waiting for this other than me?
May we all find it in our hearts to generously dig deep down deep into our pockets to hopefully reconstruct such a monumental undertaking! Perhaps a fund should be set up just for that cause.
All is possible with Christ!
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